Frontline Perspectives

So… my vacation’s over and I’m caught up on my reading.  Luckily June, July and August issues in the trade pubs are very light months- light on editorial content, and light on ads.  It only took me 4 1/2 hours to go through the 27 publications on my list.

Here are a few things I found that peaked my interest:

1. There’s an interesting debate going on in the tech industry about Google’s new OS which is slated to launch in 2010.  “Chrome” is not a direct competitor to Windows since it’s targeting netbooks initially, but it does seem like the “instant on” feature for web access would be a HUGE draw for business users as well.  This from the July 28th issue of InfoWeek.
2. There was an interesting article in the July 2009 issue of Exhibitor Magazine that listed 15 things to include in your trade show emergency kit for set-up.  Since we often go well beyond booth and graphics design to on-site management,  I’m always interested in new things to add to our “bag of magic”.  My personal must-have’s include: black sharpies, duct tape, velcro in white and black, and Advil.  This article listed a couple of new products for cleaning and touch-ups which I will add to our kits going forward.
3. We have several clients who are dipping their toes in the “green” arena, and I have been keeping an extra eye on these types of articles in the media.  I am personally in awe of the challenges and opportunities that are facing us in the next decade or two.  In the July issue of Fast Company there is an interesting article on the impending growth of the microgrid.  This means that I can look forward to picking up some solar panel kits to install on my home in my weekend free time, and that doing so will mean that I can not only generate the power for my family’s massive display of Christmas lights, but also 2 of my neighbors as well.

Now, I have about 2 days before the September issues starting showing up on desk…